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Sunday, July 17, 2011

More Than Metal Show was such an eye-opener to the amazing talent we have in Toronto. It was located at The Women's Art Association of Canada house. The event was such an inspiration and what a joy it was to be a part of it. I met some familiar faces and amazing people. It is not often to see a Jewelry exclusive event and just to see the wide range of talent, ideas and creativity was such a delight.

I had the chance to sit beside Odile of Woolly Fabulous who works with recycled materials making felt and zipper broaches. Odile is very talented with tons of positive energy and interesting tales to tell. She is always working with something new and outside of the box. Her creativity goes beyond her zipper broaches.

I ran into Vera Fischer who I had met years ago at Value Village. At the time I never understood why she collected antique jewelry. At the Show the reason was revealed. She designs gorgeous wire wrapped jewelry using antique jewelry that she collects and gives it a new purpose. Her presence at the show was uplifting and she brightened the room wherever she walked. Her designs were unique and beautiful. They are truly OOAK, and can never be repeated.

Another wonderful lady I met at the More Than Metal Show was Irena Pertseva of Black Currant Jewelry. A soft spoken woman, ready with a smile and talent that will shock you. Her wire wrapping techniques are astounding, creating intricate designs and elaborate pieces. Her rings were astounding to see. They beheld the tiniest of weaves that I didn't think were possible. Her most beautiful work I have to say are her Phoenix Necklaces.

Lastly, the unique creations of Ola Fumilayo who also orchestrated this event with help from volunteers. Under My Secret Music Box, she designs these intricate and delicate pieces into functioning and lovely sounding music boxes. Each are OOAK and behold a vintage feel. She uses 18 note Japanese Mechanisms and vintage pieces for her designs. Ola spent so much time catering the event and ensuring everyone was having a good time that she barely stopped at her table - and a great event it was!

The More Than Metal Show was busier than I had anticipated so I was unable to visit and spend time with everyone at the Show, but everyone at the Show was very talented. There was a wide variety of styles under one roof. Every Artist was local to Toronto. It was a huge joy to be among creative people who enjoy doing the same thing - designing jewelry - and they do it so well!

Thanks to Ola Fumilayo and Helen Kontozopoulos, photos of the event were taken to forever keep it in our memories. If you did not come to this year's event, hopefully we will see you next year. Until then, enjoy the photos on Flickr and go see the Artist's work on their websites and buy handmade!

Saturday, July 16, 2011

One of the joys I've discovered is working with Pocket Watches. I have always admired and loved Steampunk, but it was only recently that I begun to delve into this beautiful fantasy world filled with enchanting and inspiring designs.

I have been timid at first in my designs, working with single chains and small glass stones and swarovski crystals. This design was a leap for me, and I am delighted how it turned out.

Isabella Steampunk Pocket Watch Layered Choker Necklace

This necklace was a delight to make. I spent 4 wonderful hours creating this piece using upcycled chain that have been waiting nearly a whole year for a purpose. A year ago I would never have thought it would have turned from an ugly duckling into a beautiful swan design (a swan with a pocket watch).

I love how this necklace hangs on the neck. A full hour was spent just making sure it hung just right. Some elements had to be taken away to make the composition perfect.

This is a close up of the beautiful lattice work on the Pocket Watch. The Pocket Watch really finishes this look, and it just wouldn't be a complete necklace without it.

This design is the start of something new as my creativity expands. I am constantly inspired and looking at what else I can do. I love working with Pocket Watches and taking something masculine and working with a masculine saturated style (steampunk) and making something feminine and unique. This specific design is not as feminine as my designs using lucite flowers.

Victorian Goddess - Lariat Heart Locket Vintage Style Necklace

I loved creating this design. It is a new design for me. I started with the idea of using a toggle to hold a centerpiece and open at the front instead of behind the neck. The idea grew into this beautiful design.

I love working with antique brass, and this beautiful heart locket was looking for a home. I originally had a simple design in mind, but after discovering these beautiful chunky, high quality glass stones and beautiful, large toggle - this design began to form in my mind.

I tried this technique of clustering beautiful, small stones together atop another big stone. Since I am self taught, I refused to research this technique, and instead problem solved it in my head. Then I quickly realized how simple the technique was.

I was skeptical at first of adding this element into this design. I was worried it would become too busy when I wanted the pendant to be the focal point. I decided to just try it and see, and I think it came out beautifully. I am glad I decided to take the leap.